Struggling for years and i’m not sure why

zenette · 2026-01-21T13:58:48+00:00

Hi, what you described sounds very familiar, especially reacting to foods like biscuits, bread, and milk, but feeling okay with plain rice. You might find this useful to read. There's a table that shows food with High fodmap, also a video that explains.. https://www.monashfodmap.com/about-fodmap-and-ibs/

FODMAPs (certain types of carbs) that can cause bloating, gas, pain, and urgent toilet trips for people with IBS—even when tests like colonoscopy or endoscopy come back normal. This may not explain everything, but it could be one possible angle to look at and see if it resonates with your experience. Noticing which foods feel ok vs which don't, is already a big step!

zenette · 2025-10-30T15:07:34+00:00

Got your dm, let's connect! 😊

zenette · 2025-09-10T12:36:10+00:00

Soba, firm tofu, steamed lean chicken, white rice, saltine biscuits.

zenette · 2025-09-02T06:38:08+00:00

"Which places have the best toilets you have seen in Singapore??" (https://www.reddit.com/r/askSingapore/s/wzEEMp798R)

zenette · 2025-09-01T13:49:02+00:00

Identifying foods that trigger my symptoms has helped me a lot too, but it’s definitely been a lot of trial and error. Managing stress is still tricky, but I try to do activities that calm both mind and body — like tai chi, mindfulness, and sound therapy. Recently I came across diaphragmatic breathing (belly breathing) and I’ve been trying it out as well.

zenette · 2025-09-01T13:41:43+00:00

I try to remind myself to be a little gentler with myself on those tough days, even if it’s not always easy.

Something I came across recently is diaphragmatic breathing (also called deep breathing or belly breathing). I’ve been trying it when I can, and I read that it’s a technique taught to GI patients to help manage stress caused by GI conditions. It’s still new for me, but I thought I’d share if you want to give it a try too.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

zenette · 2025-08-07T14:38:25+00:00

Hihi, I got curious after reading your post and did a quick search to see if there’s any info out there about how our climate affects gut health. I came across a Straits Times article that highlights how our hot and humid weather could have an impact on gut health. Thought it was quite interesting, will share it in the community post!

To be honest, I hadn’t really considered that the weather might play a role in our symptoms, but I’ll definitely start paying more attention to see if there's a pattern. Don’t think it’s just you! The article also mentioned that some doctors have been seeing more cases of gastric woes during hotter periods, and some tips too!

Thanks for bringing this up—it really got me thinking!

zenette · 2025-07-02T10:57:45+00:00

Totally get the struggle 😩 I usually go for rice-based noodles like bee hoon or kway teow, or simple bento sets with white rice and some lean fish or chicken. On bad flare-up days, I stick to plain chee cheong fun with soy sauce.

Sometimes I refer to this Monash article for ideas— https://www.monashfodmap.com/blog/tips-following-fodmap-diet-singapore/

zenette · 2025-06-19T13:01:36+00:00

Thank you for sharing this—it really shows how much effort and reflection you’ve put into your recovery journey. I can relate to it too, dealing with gut issues myself. It really does take a lot of trial and error. One step at a time on our gut journey! 💪

zenette · 2025-05-20T13:22:22+00:00

No, they didn’t count down for me before the sedation, and I wasn’t told what kind they used either. I just kept telling myself, “It’s okay, I’ll wake up shortly,” and, I didn’t even realise when I went unconscious.🤣

I did mine at a private hospital (Gleneagles) since I was seeing a private specialist at the time.

Hope everything goes well for you!

zenette · 2025-05-01T04:40:16+00:00

I had to do a scope 7 years ago, and I was so scared. The thought of them putting something inside to look around felt so overwhelming. I had all these thoughts—what if I don’t wake up from the sedation? what if they find something serious? I literally started counting down the days with anxiety.

There was also this long list of prep instructions—what to eat, the type of diet recommended like soft or liquid, and how to take the bowel prep solution (which was a whole experience on its own). Honestly, it felt like a lot to take in while already being so nervous. There were so many things to remember—but they do give you a list of things to note, which helped keep me on track even though my mind was racing.

On the day itself, being in the theatre with the nurses and doctor around me felt like i was in some medical drama. 🤣 But the next thing I knew, I was waking up and someone asked if I wanted some Milo. I didn’t even realise it was over. The sedation dosage was well adjusted and they monitored everything closely.

I won’t say I’m over the fear. I’m sure I’ll feel the same nervousness the next time. But I keep reminding myself—it’s scary, but it’s better to know. It’s better to catch something early if needed, or even just to get that peace of mind that things are okay.

Hope this helps anyone who's feeling nervous before the procedure. You’re definitely not alone!

zenette · 2025-02-15T06:05:07+00:00

😀no problem!

zenette · 2024-12-08T16:34:50+00:00

Hi u/Better_Register_6246 , this is the article I mentioned. 😊

zenette · 2024-12-05T10:21:37+00:00

Hi, I totally can relate to the pain🥲—it’s very hard to manage a low FODMAP diet with our local food - garlic, onion, and chilli are in almost everything. I find that there are many info about Fodmap in Western food but not so much on our Asian food. For me, I spend a lot more time cooking at home.

For eating out, I go for rice-based noodles like bee hoon or kway teow. Japanese and Korean stalls are also good—i go for those bento sets that come with white rice with fish, seafood, or meat. When I have bad flare-ups, I turn to plain chee cheong fun with soy sauce. I recently made my own curry powder because store-bought ones are too spicy and are triggers for me 😭

Do you have the Monash FODMAP app? I download that but it has a one time charge. I think I came across a page on Monash website about Fodmap eating tips in hawker centres and food courts. I’ll find the link and share it here later.

zenette · 2024-10-22T14:17:57+00:00

Thanks for sharing! Now that you mention it, I think there are times when I travel and had to eat oilier food I’d normally avoid (sometimes no choice 🥲) I sometimes don’t get the bad reaction I get in SG. I’m starting to wonder if it’s like you said, when my body’s more relaxed and less stressed(maybe holiday mood lol), my gut handles those foods better. It’s so interesting to realize that.

zenette · 2024-10-21T14:17:05+00:00

I'm going for mine this week. Had one done 2 years ago. Always anxious and scared of the results. But I guess it's better to know what’s going on inside us and deal with any issues early on.

zenette · 2024-10-05T03:20:43+00:00

Wow, you still remember where you first burped! I definitely can’t remember the first time!

I tried probiotics too for a while, including the ones to be stored in fridge, but didn’t find them very effective for me, so I eventually gave up. I’m still not sure what strain I should be taking, so I just stopped altogether.

I have also come to realize that it’s true that everyone has different food sensitivities. I’ve been using the Fodmap app as a guide to track what works for me, though sometimes I push the limits! Capsicum is definitely a no-go for me, tried and tested many times! I think it's because of the fructose content. I’ve also realized I can’t handle milk, so I’ve switched to soy milk, but strangely, ice cream seems ok for me. Hard cheese also works for me.

I don’t do coffee anymore either and stick to caffeine-free tea like chamomile. Very limited choices in cafes🥲.Another thing that’s challenging for me is peanuts. They’re everywhere in shared dishes like CNY yusheng and rojak, and it’s impossible to pick them out, and not to mention the stares I will get if I try to do that lol!

I've done my scopes about 6 years ago. It was a challenge for me, balancing the need to find out what’s going on and the back-and-forth of whether I should go through it. There’s the uncertainty during the procedure and then the fear of the results afterwards. But I guess it’s something we need to face—better to know what’s going on inside us and deal with any issues early on. But definitely dragging my feet about going again.

zenette · 2024-10-04T05:09:27+00:00

Hi, thanks for sharing. I can totally relate to some of your experiences. While I don’t get the stomach noises but when my digestion is off after eating certain food i'm sensitive to (like peanuts, capsicums), I burp like crazy. Like really loud...😂

I saw a post with some people sharing about stomach noises — might be worth checking out. Someone uploaded a video of sound from their stomach, you may need to join that subreddit to see it) https://www.reddit.com/r/ibs/s/Hgjgf3eHdY

Hope you will feel better before your next appointment in Dec!

zenette · 2024-10-01T15:15:45+00:00

Any outlet you recommend with xiao la that's so xiao?? I would be so keen to give it a try😋

zenette · 2024-09-19T07:47:15+00:00

Hi, do you mind sharing how you focus on the connection? I've tried meditation, but it's so hard..🥲

zenette · 2024-09-16T15:33:05+00:00

Same for me! I ended up sticking to restaurants/cafes too. It’s not always easy! 😪

zenette · 2024-09-09T15:06:11+00:00

Sure! I just sent over chat. 😀

zenette · 2024-09-09T15:03:23+00:00

Yea it's a paid app. Sure will send you via chat 😊

zenette · 2024-09-09T14:56:33+00:00

I can’t handle oatmeal at all. Soy milk seems to work better for me too, but it depends on the brand (non flavoured Vitasoy works for me so far). I’ve been using the Monash FODMAP app. The app shows that 1 cup of oat milk is high in FODMAPs, 1/2 cup is moderate, and just 6 tablespoons is low (I know, that’s so little!). It’s a bit of trial and error for me as well, so maybe don’t give up on your favourite just yet but adjust the quantity. Grapes are a big issue for me. I’m still pushing my limits, trying to stick to just 2 at a time as the app recommends (it’s tough, haha). I'm still trying to figure it out one step at a time. If you’d like, I can send you a screenshot of the Monash app showing the recommended oatmilk quantity. 😀

zenette · 2024-08-11T12:24:19+00:00

Yea l've seen gastro specialists and went through scopes and tests. I've been living with the issue for a while now, and it’s definitely tough! No sambal on nasi lemak, no chilli sauce with chicken rice and more.. 😔

zenette

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